Red letter day for print firms
Sheffield printers are the tops when it comes to adopting lean manufacturing techniques.
Judges of the British Printing Industries Federation's Excellence Awards couldn't choose between two of them for the 2006 Best Lean Printer Award.
Loxleys Print, the Aizlewood Road greetings card specialist, and Northend Creative Print Solutions, less than half a mile away in Clyde Road, Heeley, shared the award.
It honours the firm which had transformed its operations by advanced manufacturing techniques and best management practices to eliminate activities which do not add value for customers.
Judges praised the energy and enthusiasm with which lean manufacturing was embraced at Loxleys as truly impressive: "Loxleys have been bold in their adoption of Lean, not afraid to challenge traditional thinking and to reinvent themselves along the way – a process that continues."
Of Northend, judges said: "The company's predisposition towards customer service and a genuine commitment to develop staff and employees has led to strong use of Lean tools and techniques appropriate to respond to the demands this creates. Their work has yielded both excellent results and fine examples of best practice."
Tim Carrington, managing director of Loxleys, whose 70 staff print, finish and pack 80 million greetings cards a year, said: "Naturally, we are delighted with our success.
"I first started taking an interest in Lean thinking and working about seven years ago to see how it could be applied to our sector. In what is a very competitive market, you have to adapt to stay ahead."
Nigel Stubley, managing director of Northend, said: "Because they attract the cream of the British printing industry, these awards are highly coveted. The fact that two Sheffield companies have shared one of them reflects well on the city.
"It also sends out a very positive message to the customers."
09 May 2006
